Once a team is bounced from the NHL playoffs, it seems like it is time for wild and random speculation. Earlier this week, when the Ottawa Senators were swept out of the playoffs, rumors began circulating about their star forward, Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk has continued to be adamant that he doesn't want to leave. At the same time, we know teams have to downplay this stuff because otherwise the return on a disgruntled player who wants out would be a sixth-round pick and a broken-down Zamboni.
However, where there is smoke, there is fire. Eagles fans know this well right now as the whole AJ Brown saga continues. Will they or won't they trade him? Does he want a trade? Did he ask for a trade? Does the team want to trade him? Everyone involved said that there is no trade and nobody wants to do it, but several WR free agents, plus a top draft pick, say otherwise.
Okay, back to hockey. For years, there has been speculation that Tkachuk wants out of Ottawa. Most people feel that he wants to play with his brother in Florida. The two had a lot of fun in the Four Nations tournament last year. Perhaps they want to reunite.
Or, perhaps Tkachuk wants to play on a team that could win. Could that team be the Philadelphia Flyers? Could he be the piece that turns Philly from a team that makes the playoffs into a legit supercontender?
Why would Tkachuk be a good option?
That's an easy one. Have you seen him play? He can single-handedly change a game with his presence. He's a menace. Yes, he's a bit of a jerk. He does get under the skin of opposing players and can be borderline dirty. Heck, in the series against Carolina, he got into a fight with Jordan Staal just three seconds into Game 1. There had been no beef between these teams before, but there was plenty after that.
Yes, he is older. At 28, he should be just entering his prime. Yes, he's battled a few injuries, mostly due to the physical nature of his play. He also scored 22 goals with 25 assists in 60 games. While he only scored five goals on the power play, in each of the previous three seasons, he's scored at least 11 goals.
The Senators could also be strapped for cash for next season. They have several free agents, such as Claude Giroux and Dennis Gilbert. Plus, the following season, they will need to extend a lot of their younger players, like Drake Batherson. Tkachuk is making $8.2 million and could be more than what the team can afford. He also has two more years left on his contract.
Acquiring Tkachuk won't be cheap
If Ottawa were to trade Tkachuk, they won't sell him cheap. However, if a team, like Philly, could pick up the entire salary, maybe the trade cost would come down. Perhaps one of the Flyers' two draft picks could seal the deal with a player attached. Maybe a top prospect like Oliver Bonk or Jett Luchanko would be thrown in. Maybe an NHL-ready "prospect" like Helge Grans or Emil Andrae might have to be included. Honestly, one of the best ways to get Tkachuk in a Flyers uniform might be to offer the Senators Matvei Michkov straight up.
Much like Tkachuk, Michkov has been surrounded by a lot of rumors about him falling out of favor with the team, demanding a trade, etc. To be fair, Michkov had a down season. He was dropped from the first line to the third line and saw his playing time dramatically reduced. Surely, the competitor in him would not be happy. The question is, does the "teammate" in him win out, and is he happier for the success of the team over personal glory?
If both Tkachuk and Michkov want out, this is a great one-for-one trade. Michkov is costing the Flyers less than 1M, which helps the cash-strapped Senators out. He's also 21 with a year left on his contract. Ottawa could move him for more assets or sign him to a longer deal. Maybe he'd be happier where he could "be the star".
For the Flyers, they get another winger, with a little more punch in him, who can help mentor the younger guys coming up. Likewise, he possesses the first combo of size and strength this team has had since Wayne Simmonds. Despite his villainous tendencies, he'd quickly become a fan favorite. We'd miss out on Michkov, but Tkachuk and Martone could become an amazing duo to behold.
Of course, all of this is pure speculation. The Flyers seem committed to Michkov as an integral piece of their long-term plans. That is most likely the plan. If it did change, it is better to get something of high value before it is too late. If Tkachuk became available, that's the kind of value that might be worth it.
Most likely, Tkachuk, like Michkov, isn't going anywhere. However, if he does want to leave Ottawa, then the Flyers should inquire about the cost. If the cost seems worth it, make the move.
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